The DAP has refuted allegations that the Registrar of Societies had confirmed Lee Guan Aik as Kedah chairperson.

NONE Party national organising secretary Anthony Loke said the central executive committee (CEC) is "‘perplexed and surprised" that ROS deemed fit to issue a letter disputing the committee’s previous decision to appoint Zairil Khir Johari ( right ) as interim Kedah DAP chairperson.

Loke said the CEC decision was made in accordance with Clause XIV of the party’s constitution, which stipulates as follows -

  • Section 11: The CEC shall have to power to dissolve any state committee if it is satisfied that the continued functioning of the committee will be detrimental to the interest or good image of the party;
  • Section 12: In the event of dissolution, the CEC shall form an interim state committee soonest possible within six months after such dissolution and appoint its official and members.

NONE Loke ( left ) said based on the two sections, the CEC had decided to endorse its decision to appoint Zairil , the Bukit Bendera MP, as state interim chairperson.

"There should be no doubt as to the said appointment as it was within the powers and purviews of the CEC," said Loke in a statement.

"We are indeed perplexed and surprised that ROS also deemed fit to issue the letter challenging or disputing the validity of the CEC which was duly elected by its members in a special congress held on Sept 29.

"The ROS should not interfere with the decision making process of the party."

Initiate legal action 'if necessary'

Loke further criticised the ROS for its "most unprofessional" conduct, denying that the DAP had received any letters from the registrar pertaining to this matter.

kedah defection ceramah 220510 dap adun lee guan aik He has requested DAP Legal Bureau chairperson Gobind Singh to immediately look into it and if necessary, initiate legal action to challenge the alleged unlawful decision of the ROS.

Loke was responding to Lee's ( right ) comment saying he was the rightful Kedah chief as he had the backing of the ROS .

Lee had reportedly took the letter from the ROS office in Putrajaya on Dec 4, saying the latter had established that Kedah DAP interim committee, led by Zairil, is "invalid".

"I am still the valid Kedah DAP chairperson as I was appointed at the AGM in 2010 based on the party's constitution," Lee was quoted as saying by Bernama , at a press conference in Alor Star yesterday.

Bernama also reported that earlier, on Nov 19, 13 Kedah DAP branches urged the CEC to dissolve the interim committee, claiming that it is the main source of stress within the party.